Verona Update (11/1/21) – Landscaping / Hard Cutting / Lighting / Street Sealcoating / Mailboxes / Other items
The following email is intended to bring all Verona residents up to date on items of interest to our Association
1) Landscaping: Following the recommendations of the Landscaping Committee which were finalized in May, and with input from Javier Pineda of Ameriscape and Marsha Dennison of Schoo Management, the Board has decided to embark on a two phase program to revitalize and renew our 20 year old landscaping. We tentatively plan to start in December. The overall goal of this program is to clean out and open up existing areas that are overgrown while judiciously replanting, adding color to the existing landscape palate. This will all be done with the realization that Verona is paying for “commercial grade” landscaping which has inherent cost limitations compared to what all of us might have done as individual homeowners in the past. Part of this plan will be to transition to a “coco brown” mulch which is recommended by Ameriscape and will add to the aesthetic appearance while providing more nutrients to our plantings.
It is important to note that while most units will experience work being done, not every house will be affected. The initial plan will generally involve the front and center areas between units. Plants that are up against the house itself will generally not be addressed until the second phase which is planned for next year. Also, in certain instances, pathway lighting should be removed lest it be damaged in the replanting process. As we get closer to the start of the project, we will define exactly which houses might be affected.
Residents have probably observed that replacement plantings (notably bushes at the top of driveways and certain hibiscus) are quite small. This was done intentionally, as there is a considerable cost savings by planting small … they will grow!
Finally. please remember that Verona is a condominium association, and that contrary to a “homeowners association”, residents are not allowed to plant, maintain, or do anything to the landscaping. This is also reflected in our contract with Ameriscape who warrants and replaces all our plant material. If an issue does exist, then the resident should submit a “ticket” online at the Ameriscape website or call the company at (239) 353-6755. All requests are eventually reviewed by the Board.
2) Hard Cuts: Ameriscape will soon be doing a hard cut on most plant material in the community, including trees with blooms. This is a necessary phase of landscaping maintenance … trees will rebloom quickly. Also note that the cul de sac palm trees need maintenance and trimming. The cul de sac is actually maintained by the CDD – they will be contacted concerning this maintenance work
3) Lighting: The Board is also reviewing the possibility of replacing and standardizing all outside garage lighting. There is a lot to consider in this area however, and no final decisions have been made. A sample black light has been installed at 10549 and is being evaluated …. any comments you might have are welcomed. Also, if you have not done so, take time to look at the Avila lighting at night.
4) Street Sealcoating: From an appearance standpoint it is apparent our street needs to be sealcoated. However, there is a possibility the CDD might do this in the coming months which would save the Association almost $9000. But, as of this email, there is no final commitment from the CDD to sealcoat the streets. In addition, we do not want to sealcoat prior to beginning our landscape project.
5) Mailboxes: Mailboxes are the responsibility of the individual homeowners. Accordingly, repairs such as flag replacement, numbers, or doors not closing must be done by the owner and the repair consistent with the rest of mailboxes on the street (ie: Flags and numbers must be the same design and type). We suggest you call the company that originally installed the mailboxes which is Lykins Signtec at (239) 595-8484 for replacement parts. Mention you live in the Pelican Preserve Verona Association. The cost of parts is nominal, and most repairs are fairly simple, but if you would want a “handyman” to make the repair, contact Schoo Management or the Board for a handyman suggestion if you are not familiar with one.
OTHER ITEMS
6) Sidewalk / Driveway cleaning: This will probably be done in the spring after the landscaping and seal coating projects are completed.
7) Paint Samples: Paint samples, especially brown, for touch up work on your unit are still available. Contact Bob Kohlbecker for assistance.
8) Volunteer Opportunities: The Board welcomes resident’s participation to make our association and community a better place to live. Carole Maimoni and Mary Anne Harris are doing a great job creating social opportunities within our community. John Marksteiner heads up the association’s Christmas decorations on the cul de sac which always brighten the season. The Arnolds are hosting Coffee on Concrete and have contributed to the overall landscaping project. Mark Kline heads up the Verona ERT and along with Tom Fifelski and Paul Daraska, are providing guidance and help in times of emergency. In that spirit, we are seeking new members for our landscaping committee and appreciate that Toivo Ratsep has volunteered. There are other areas where your participation might help. Please consider volunteering for one of these groups or for one in which you might have a personal interest.
8) Annual Meeting: Our Annual Meeting will be at 1:00 pm in the Town Center Theater on Wednesday, December 1st. Further information and an agenda will be forthcoming from Schoo Management. With that in mind, the Board appreciates the support we are receiving from the community as it makes the time and effort involved with our job easier.
Bob Kohlbecker
Tom Fifelski
Frank Magruda